CHAPTER XIV.

ENCOURAGEMENT AND CONCLUSION.

By way of encouragement it may be well to remind our friends, that it is always better to remain united on fundamental principles, than to dissolve their power on such issues. It is a great mistake to believe that the hosts of Democracy have little influence, simply because not being at the head of the National Administration.

Upon the contrary, it is always, and continually exerting its great influence, even in the actual legislation of the country; as well as in the executive and judicial departments of our dual form of government. Remember, that sometimes more than one-half the states, are wholly under its control. So in congressional districts, representatives are chosen to uphold those principles and control the House of Representatives. Again, in a large number of cities, villages, counties, and townships, in so-called Republican States, they are wholly or partially in authority, and thus more or less under the control of those principles. So we should consider the aggregate of votes cast for President for more than a quarter of a century, at every election. Samuel J. Tilden, now generally conceded to have been elected, though deprived of his office, had received 250,935 more votes in 1876 than his opponent, who was accorded the position. Garfield had 7,018 votes more than General Hancock, the Democratic candidate, who was not elected in 1880. Cleveland in 1884 received 83,183 more votes than Blaine; and in 1888 he received 98,017 more votes than Harri

son, who was elected.* And thus we might refer to over six million solid votes cast under the banner of the great Democratic party, not to mention those which were thrown away upon ephemeral parties, claiming more or less to sympathize with them on National and general issues; but in thus doing became only aids to the opponents of the Democratic party. It is safe to claim, that the Democracy have for many years been in the majority, because many Republicans are Democratic in sentiment, and therefore not without influence to carry Democratic measures but also, even when their Representatives were in the minority, their influence was most potent to prevent the passage of measures conceived by the leaders of their opponents, as was evidenced by the defeat of their so-called Federal Force Bill only a few years ago. Why then should Democrats be discouraged, and surrender faith in their principles, when such is the record they have made? Rather should they learn, and study over again those principles proclaimed by true, earnest, faithful, sincere, and wise Democrats thus announcing them, and press them upon the attention of the young and rising generation, that must soon take the burden from their fathers, of governing this great country.

To aid them in doing so this is one of the objects of the author. They can make the party just what they desire it to be, by remaining true to the principles and policies of former generations through "a hundred years," and acting well their part by being true to their country and to themselves.

See table, page 192.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENCX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS

ADDENDA.

CHAPTER XV.

THE MONROE DOCTRINE.

President Monroe's information and consequent opposition to the occupation of the American soil by foreign nations, has come to be considered as much a part of the public policy of the nation as any unwritten law could well be, both great political parties having made it a part of their platforms; and yet it is only by a brief reference to it, and not a full exposition that the people get in that way. The writer thought it not a vain thing to print it in full with a review of all the events which lead up to its promulgation, that those who wish may be fully informed on the subject. For this purpose he has had opportunities that many now living do not possess, because he has made use of some correspondence with one who had, perhaps, more to do with it, than any one now living, having much of his information directly from the person referred to. President James Buchanan held the position of a cabinet officer, and minister to England, where the archives of the American Diplomatic office were for years in his charge, and therefore competent to explain many things not generally published. He was subsequently elected President of the United States and was enabled to put the finishing touches upon the arrogant claims of England both as to colonizing upon American soil, as well as the right to search American vessels.